Le cellule staminali mesenchimali inducono tolleranza in un modello sperimentale di trapianto di rene di ratto

Introduction and aim Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC), are multipotent cells which can differentiate into various mature cell type. Because of the ability of MSC for multilineage adult cell differentiation, therapy with MSC has been tried in different types of experimental and human disease with the intent of replacing injured cells in damaged tissues. We investigated the effects of MSC on the function and histopathology of kidney allograft in the early post-transplant period. In addition, we have studied the effects of MSC on the systemic and renal expression of inflammatory cytokines. Methods We studied 4 groups of rats: A: non treated allogeneic transplantation, B: allogeneic transplantation treated with MSC, C: non treated syngeneic transplantation and D syngeneic transplantation treated with MSC. Serum and urine creatinine were measured before transplantation, 3 and 7 days after transplantation. Renal morphology was evaluated 7 days after transplantation. In addition, we measured both serum levels and tissue content of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Results MSC significantly attenuated the fall in GFR caused by acute rejection at day 3, and provided a full recovery of GFR at day 7. Furthermore, MSC had a striking effect on rejection-related tissue injury, e.g. immune cell infiltration, tubulitis, vasculitis and glomerulitis. Infusion of MSC attenuated significantly the rise in IFN both in syngrafted and in allografted kidneys and caused a further rise in IL-10 in allografted kidneys. Treatment with MSC reduced serum IFN and IL-6 and increased IL-10 in allografted rats. Conclusions Our study demonstrates in vivo that MSC infusion significantly attenuates acute renal allograft damage and improves renal recovery in experimental renal transplantation.